~ Free Information On Growing And Planting Strawberries.

How to Plant Everbearing Strawberries in Containers

Grow everbearing strawberries to enjoy three harvests of sweet fruit per growing season from your container garden. Whether you use a decorative container or ordinary garden pot, the shiny green leaves and three sets of flowers make everbearing strawberries a delightful ornamental plant. Use certified disease free plants, an acidic soil mix and fertilizer to give your strawberry plants a healthy start. Plant everbearing strawberries in the spring, allow the plants to become established during the first year, then enjoy the fruits of your labor for years to come. (Reference 1)

Prepare the container for planting. Ensure the pot has at least one hole in the bottom as everbearing strawberry plants require good drainage. Drill two to three half-inch holes in a container if none exists already.

Place a single layer of coffee filters in the bottom of the container to keep dirt from running out the drainage holes.

Combine one part ground fir bark or mulch, one part sand and two parts potting soil in a large bucket. Add in a slow-release 16-16-16 formula fertilizer, measured according to the manufacturers label instructions. Moisten the soil mix with 2-3 cups water and stir well. (Reference 2)

Fill the container with your soil mixture, pressing the soil down lightly to eliminate any air pockets.

Dig a shallow, wide hole with a garden trowel for each everbearing strawberry plant, allowing four to six inches between each plant. Set one strawberry plant in each hole, fanning out the roots with your fingers. Cover the roots with more of the soil mixture, keeping the crown of the plant, where the base and roots meet, uncovered.

Pinch off any flowers so that the plant’s energy is directed to establishing the healthy root system required for everbearing strawberries to produce multiple times in a season.

Water everbearing strawberry plants twice a week after planting to keep their shallow root system moist.